Brighton had a reputation as a tolerant town for many years, which was one reason gay people gathered there even in the days when homosexual acts were a criminal offence.

It would be sad if, now it has allied with Hove, Brighton was to gain the reputation of being a curmudgeonly city.

Yet there is a real danger of that happening with a vicious spate of homophobia being reported to police.

Only last week, gay artist Brian O'Callaghan, a student at Brighton University, suffered abuse and threats for displaying works exploring gay themes.

Two men were arrested in connection with three homophobic attacks being investigated by police.

There have been hundreds of attacks reported to the police since the anti-victimisation unit was set up in 2000 but thousands more have probably gone unreported.

But the unit is doing good work both in making arrests and in encouraging gay people to come forward with their problems.

Gay and lesbian organisations are also doing their best to make sure harassment will become a thing of the past.

Almost two out of three gay men and lesbians have suffered abuse and violence and that is a shocking statistic.

Brighton and Hove can be a fun place where diversity is celebrated. But there is a dark side and it's high time that was eliminated.